Dating to May 9, Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels (5-3, 2.61) has pitched 19 consecutive scoreless innings. He’ll try to keep it going today against Chris Sampson (3-3, 5.91) and the Astros. First pitch is 2:05 ET.
Preview: The Phils can salvage a winning road trip with a victory today, which is hard to believe considering the way they’ve played. Besides Wednesday, they’ve seen several tight, tough contests against less than marquee pitching, suffering back-to-back, one-run losses to Brandon Backe and Brian Moehler. They’re 12-11 this month and haven’t been able to steal as many close ones as they did in April. Houston offered one for the taking last night with bases loaded and one out in the ninth, but the Phils couldn’t convert. The funk continues w/RISP.
The Phils can either lose three in a row and return home 27-25 having lost 4-of-7 on the road, or Hamels can do what he’s been doing lately, and that’s stop a losing streak dead in its tracks. Hamels ranks second in the National League in ERA and third with 65 strikeouts. He’s been dominant lately, holding opponents scoreless with eight hits while striking out 17 in his last two starts.
Meanwhile, the Astros counter with Sampson, a mediocre right-hander, which has become the bane of the Phillies' existence on this trip.
Last night: Brett Myers labored through six innings, and while it wasn’t a terrible start, the struggling right-hander made several fatal mistakes, including leaving one out over the plate for pinch hitter Mark Loretta to drive to center for a go-ahead RBI in the sixth. A lack of location, pitch selection and velocity, and the consistency of those shortcomings, has made the Myers of old fade from view. Nevertheless, combine Myers' outing with Chad Durbin's night, it should have been enough for this lineup to play with.
No excuses today. A game they absolutely should win.
Posted by: TK | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 01:27 PM
b-a-p - Just for you:
Hamels, worthless.
Trade him for Padilla.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 01:40 PM
No excuses is right. It's win day. Although I really wanted 3 out of 4, splitting against a team as hot as the Astros on the road and winning the road trip is not so bad.
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/phightin_phils_phorum
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/turnpike_series
Posted by: Bill | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 01:41 PM
So much for Rollins vs Holliday this week. Phils get a break with Holiday on the DL.
Posted by: Rusty E | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 01:49 PM
wow, nice at bats guys
pathetic.
Posted by: redbeard | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:13 PM
long delay here. hope the ump's ok.
Posted by: The Theory | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:31 PM
what happened? out of towner here following on cbs sportsline
Posted by: mikeB | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Can someone fill me in on what's going on? The gamecast has been frozen for a while.
Posted by: bryan | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:32 PM
jerry crawford (the home plate ump) got hit in the head on Carlos Lee's back swing
Posted by: pb | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Home plate ump (Jerry Crawford) got hit in the head with the backswing on the last foul ball. Looks like he'll be ok but he left the game and the 1B ump needed to go get the gear on
Posted by: Rusty E | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Ump took a backswing to the head, he is out of the game.
Posted by: PKS | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Umpire got hit by the follow though of Lee's swing on the back of his head where his mask offers no protection
Posted by: Jobbers | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Lee's backswing totally nailed the umpire and he's out now. So the delay was them making sure he's ok, taking him back... and replacing umpires. Looks like things are about to get back underway.
Posted by: The Theory | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:35 PM
ouch, hamels and crawford
Posted by: redbeard | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Guess Carlos Lee saw enough pitches there.
This series sucks.
Posted by: TK | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Guess the delay had an effect on Hamels
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Well, we start out in the hole for the 38th time.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Astros have been very patient w/ Hamels-as oposed to Howard who swings at a 2-0 fastball around his neck. The first 3 runs are on Jenkings. That was a routine fly out he fell asleep on.
Posted by: kells | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:45 PM
I like that Sampson threw over to first to keep Burrell close.
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Kells, I guess Jenkins heard you
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Way to go Ge-off
Posted by: TK | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Jenkins has been hitting much better since Werth was named a starter.
He needs to start bashing more homers, but he's up to a respectable average.
Posted by: Steve Jeltz | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:51 PM
About the first time they (barely) got Wiggie all week.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:52 PM
It is easy to brag about how many comeback wins you have when your pitchers put you in the hole every night!
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/phightin_phils_phorum
Posted by: Bill | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Hamels should PH ahead of at least 2 guys in our dugout.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Hamels might just be a better pinch hitting option than anyone on the bench except Dobbs.
Posted by: The Theory | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:59 PM
J-Roll !
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 02:59 PM
It's not easy to come to bat with runners on second and third with no out and not drive them in, but Vic is a master at it (in this series).
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Okay. I'm not watching any more. It's day game Hamels. I'm not doing that to myself on such a nice day. Have fun guys.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Why did Utley hesitate on that throw?
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Phils are being dramatically outplayed.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:15 PM
It's a miracle Jenkins ever hits anything. Swinging for the fences has resulted in exactly 3 HRs.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:21 PM
GGolly, Hamels just doesn't have it today!
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/annoying_as_hell
Posted by: Overkill Bill | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Well Cole is pitching wonderfully today.
Posted by: TK | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Cole doesn't have it today, but bad defense cost him 4 runs.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:35 PM
That's enough. This is reminiscent of the 1st week of the year.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Gruesome!
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Well, at least they didn't go 10-14 this April.
Posted by: clout | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Lucky call there. These guys are teeing off today.
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/phightin_phils_phorum
Posted by: Bill | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Outplayed, out hustled & outsmarted. Phils look like they partied all night.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:01 PM
wiggington has raised his average 67 points during this 4-game series with the phillies.
Posted by: mikeB | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Let's hope they had some fun last night, because they sure arent having any fun now.
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:04 PM
I doubt there was much partying after the way they lost the game yesterday. Sometimes tough losses have a carry-over effect...and it sure doesn't help when your pitcher keeps giving up runs immediately after you score.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:05 PM
PtB !!
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:07 PM
nice poke, carlos.
Posted by: redbeard | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:09 PM
OK, now they're waking up
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Most people on here probably would have rather had Feliz see more pitches than hit that double right?
Posted by: Jack | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Its a funny old game!!
Pop out for 2 mins and missed 4 hits / 2 runs and still no outs
Posted by: jobbers | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:11 PM
I like Ruiz's approach with RISP this year as compared to last. He seems to shoot that ball through the right side by design sometimes.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Hopefully they'll start playing some defense.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Got to give Cholly credit that he knew the Astros would be bringing in a lefty regardless of who the Phillies batted. Bringing out Bruntlett instead of Dobbs was smart.
Posted by: AFish | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Gotta love this inning. At least they arent giving up
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:16 PM
nice
Posted by: redbeard | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Heads up baserunning by Bruntlett
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Vic!
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:18 PM
VIC (with RISP to!)
Posted by: jobbers | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Nice to see Victorino finally come through in this series. This would be a really nice win if the bullpen can hold it.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:20 PM
I wonder how many people turned off the game and missed that inning?
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Everyone hits until Utley & Howard do their thing. Chase is due for a 4 for 4 game with about 6 rbi.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I don't think many people would have guessed that there would be a game where J-Roll, Utley, and Howard combined for all 3 outs in the inning and we still scored 5 runs.
Posted by: Dave X | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:23 PM
That is what the Phils do. Seems like there is always someone who takes up the slack when the big bats aren't working.
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:26 PM
If Vic hadn't been where he was, Loretto would have an inside the park HR standing up.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Came back in from building a bench out in the garage (it's awesome outside everybody!) and they Phils claw their way back into the game.
Posted by: joe l | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Right now I feel like brueg. Tuned out and, to spite me (and others, clearly) they began hammering.
I was right about Cole "Nosferatu" Hamels, though. Chollie should work the schedule through weeks ahead of time to keep him away from the sunlight. (Or play him at 1B in day games.)
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Cole Hamels.. vampire?
Posted by: joe l | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Swell. Cholly pulls Burrell again. Just makes no sense!
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:41 PM
The Astros broaccasters are criticizing Cholly for pulling Burrell. Got to love it.
Posted by: AFish | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Now I get it. Burrell never would have scored from 3rd on that hit.
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:43 PM
If they couldn't get PtB home from 3rd with no outs, they don't desrve to score. Cholly's nuts.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:44 PM
The Worst Offensive Third Baseman in the League is having a pretty fair series.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:44 PM
RSB, funny you should say that. I was going to say I was sorry to all the Feliz haters today. Must be painful to watch him hit!
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Dobb's is an animal.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Dobbs is a star!!
Feliz OBP now over .300!! Nearly as high as Howards and Bruntlets!
Posted by: Jobbers | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:49 PM
We should hire a tiny little leprechaun with a wee little hammer to sit in...
Woo-hoo! Go Hobbs!
(anyway, where was I)
Little leprechaun with a wee hammer to sit in the dugout. Every time Burrell gets on base after the sixth inning, the leprechaun pounds on Chollie's head until he forgets to substitute So "What?" Taguchi.
Even Uts is getting hits today. Maybe Hamels decompensating woke everyone up.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Oops...meant Vic. But Uts could get a hit...
There. That's what I meant.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:50 PM
It's Condrey time!
Posted by: AFish | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Finally, that bum Utley gets a hit
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Okay...I guess it's safe to use Madson next inning.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Dave Borkowski might make me forget how much I love Aaron Heilman.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:51 PM
It's pad your stats time.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Someone has to tell Cholly to cut it out! Obviously it doesnt matter today, but pulling Burrell this early is just plain goofy.
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Wasn't this game 6-4 Astros a half-hour ago? Wow. The Phillies have such a hot/cold offense.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Love these Hamels games.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:54 PM
curt - I know what you mean. Nothing like a good ole pitchers' duel.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:55 PM
It is never safe to use Madson or Condrey.
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/phightin_phils_phorum
Posted by: Bill | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Another coyote ugly day for Howard -- against some forgettable pitchers.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Likelihood that Willie Randolph has a job tomorrow? I say 50/50.
While very few things make me as happy as a Phils win, watching the Mets self=implode is quite enjoyable up here in New York.
Posted by: birds | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:08 PM
I like Bohn's approach. Since everyone knows that you stink, you might as well not waste anyone's time with a long at bat.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Can Houston score 9? Stay tuned..
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Clubbed into submission.
And you thought the backend of our pen looked bad.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Glad to see them back up Cole.
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:23 PM
5 shutout innings by Seanez, Romero, Madson and Condrey!?!?
Posted by: AFish | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Afish, that is a bit surprising, isn't it?
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I liked the way Madson pitched the two innings that he was in there. Is there any chance of them swapping roles for Madson and Myers if Myers continues to serve up meatballs after July 1??? Madson in the rotation doesnt scare me as much as Myers right now and Madson does have some decent stuff right???
Posted by: youppi | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:35 PM
wrong!!!
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Off topic from a good offensive win:
So ESPN.com has a front page link to a story about Jon Lester's father. He has cancer.
At the risk of sounding unsympathetic, is this a story? Especially a front page story? I know the context is Lester had cancer, and he just threw a no-hitter, but really, does this merit that kind of placement? I don't think so.
Posted by: Malcolm | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:46 PM
The idea of Madson returning to the rotation is scarier than eating potato salad that Alfonseca sneezed on. At this point, anything we get from Madson is bonus.
Posted by: KidCarnivore | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Kid, I have to disagree. I'd much rather have Madson pitch every day then eat Alf's potato salad.
Posted by: JD | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Something small, but I loved the move of Romero throwing the 6th.
You needed a shutdown inning at that point (assuming they we trying to stay about from Durbin if possible) and Cholly went to his "7th inning" guy because the situation called for it (top of the order).
We'll have a rested Gordon and Lidge (3 days each) for the Rockies and Romero has thrown just one inning in three days.
Phillies miss Cook and Francis however the Rockies don't get to Hammels (and Myers FWIW)
Posted by: Rusty E | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Great, yippie a win. 15 runs scored. Wow, turns out we do have an offense. Thing is those 15 runs will just jack up the run total on the year and make the offense look better than it actually is. Take away the handful of offensive explosions this team has had this season and you're looking at a very mediocre lackluster offense unfortunately enough. Tomorrow I'm going to take the time to figure out what the runs scored per game would be if you eliminated games of 7+ runs scored. My guess, pretty bad.
Hamels really crapped the bed today. Oh wait, day game, he sucks in those. He needs to suck it up...damn vampire.
Posted by: GM-Carson | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 07:57 PM